Opinions expressed in USA TODAY's editorials are decided by its Editorial Board, a demographically and ideologically diverse group that is separate from USA TODAY's news staff.

Most editorials are accompanied by an opposing view — a unique USA TODAY feature that allows readers to reach conclusions based on both sides of an argument rather than just the Editorial Board's point of view.

Justin Ruben, executive director, MoveOn.org: "Watching the tax cut negotiation has been like watching a car crash in slow motion. Republicans successfully held the middle class and unemployed Americans hostage until they could make the nation's wealthiest 2% even richer. Now billionaires will get thousands of dollars in new tax breaks, while teachers get pink slips and hard-working Americans fall even further behind. Our 5 million members oppose this 'deal.' ... The president's commitment to bipartisanship should not mean leaving principles behind, especially when the progressive base is working to strengthen the economy for middle class Americans by making the wealthiest — many of whom helped to get us into this mess — pay their fair share. We hope Congress will pay careful attention to the message this poll sends, and stand up against this millionaire tax bailout."

National Review, editorial: "What liberals got out of the deal was the extension of some of their favorite tax credits and, above all, a 13-month extension of federal subsidies for unemployment benefits — with no compensatory spending cuts. But the deal is still worth taking: If it won't do much good for the economy, it will avert a serious blow to it. It is possible that Republicans could have gotten an even better deal next year, since their numbers in Congress will increase in January. But that would have left them having to cut taxes retroactively and left households paying first higher and then lower taxes. Acting now reduces both uncertainty and volatility. Republicans can now spend the next two years advancing spending cuts and long-term tax reform."

The Christian Science Monitor, editorial: "Many Democrats strenuously object to President Obama's compromise with Republicans to temporarily extend the Bush tax cuts for all Americans. But Obama correctly judged that the nation needs a bipartisan deal in Washington more than it needs a political showdown. ... Just like the moribund economy needs a confidence boost, so does America's politics. Leaders in Congress and the White House must show the public that Republicans and Democrats can work together on urgent and controversial issues such as the previous president's tax cuts, set to expire at the end of the month. By creating a degree of certainty on taxes where there previously was none, progress on the political front can help build momentum on the economic one. In a Washington frozen by icy political conditions, compromise must triumph over particulars."

Paul R. La Monica, assistant managing editor, CNNMoney.com: "Taxpayers can breathe a sigh of relief. It's still not a sure thing, but after Monday night's compromise between President Obama and prominent Republicans in Congress, it appears that all the Bush era tax cuts will be extended. But can that bolster the still stagnant economy? That breath you exhaled? Let's just say you shouldn't hold it. ... Sure, it could provide a short-term boost. Businesses and consumers may be willing to spend just a bit more now that uncertainty about taxes has been lifted somewhat. But don't count on a major hiring binge. ... So let's call a spade a spade. The tax cuts may be merely examples of doing what needs to be done to keep things from getting worse — much like the controversial bank bailout, various stimulus initiatives from the Bush and Obama administrations and even the Federal Reserve's loathed quantitative easing programs."

Chris Chocola, president, Club for Growth: "This is bad policy, bad politics, and a bad deal for the American people. The plan would resurrect the 'death tax,' grow government, blow a hole in the deficit with unpaid-for spending, and do so without providing the permanent relief and security our economy needs to finally start hiring and growing again. Instead, Congress should pass a permanent extension of current rates, including a permanent repeal of the death tax, and drop all new spending. A month ago, the American people repudiated Washington big government. It's time for both parties to finally hear that message."

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